Noy, Singapore premier agree to boost ties

NEW YORK – President Aquino and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong agreed to further strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries in a meeting for the first time here on Friday morning (Friday night in Manila).

“During the meeting, President Aquino emphasized the strengths of the Philippine economy and the many opportunities for trade and investment. These were recognized and welcomed by Prime Minister Lee,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said in a statement.

Lee also extended an invitation for Mr. Aquino to visit Singapore. The President thanked Lee for the invitation.

Romulo accompanied the President during the meeting along with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo. The two leaders met on the side of the United Nations General Assembly meeting.

“It is in this particular context that President Aquino expressed his satisfaction over the success of the recent air services negotiations between the Philippines and Singapore which would result in increased tourism flows and investments between the two countries,” Romulo said.

Under the expanded bilateral air services deal, Singapore and Philippine carriers will be allowed to fly up to 14 weekly services to and from each other?s capitals. These would translate to up to 32 flights a week by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific to Singapore weekly.

The two leaders also recognized the contributions being made by Filipinos in Singapore and the importance of assuring their rights and safety. There are currently more than 160,000 Filipinos living and working in Singapore.

Mr. Aquino also thanked Lee for Singapore?s grant of scholarships to Filipinos to pursue their education in the city state. ?We look forward to better and deeper exchanges of human talent and energy,? he said.

The two Southeast Asian leaders also discussed progress within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) where they are members, particularly on the expansion of the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights, and ASEAN Connectivity.

They also shared views on regional issues such as the upcoming elections in Myanmar and climate change.